Ryan Gosling Confirms Ghost Rider Marvel Talks: ‘Keep Hope Alive’

Ryan Gosling has confirmed that conversations with Marvel Studios regarding the role of Ghost Rider have taken place, though he cautioned that the situation remains complex.

The Oscar-nominated actor addressed the long-simmering speculation during an appearance on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast while promoting his upcoming film Project Hail Mary. Gosling first expressed interest in portraying the fiery supernatural antihero in 2022, when he shut down rumors that Marvel was courting him for a different character, Nova.

“We’ll keep hope alive,” Gosling said when asked about Ghost Rider. “Some discussions have been had. It’s a complicated situation.”

Gosling’s initial pitch caught the attention of Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige, who responded enthusiastically at the time. While walking the red carpet at Comic-Con in 2022, Feige praised Gosling as “unbelievable” and “amazing,” adding that he would “love to find a place for him in the MCU.”

The Ghost Rider character previously appeared in two feature films starring Nicolas Cage: 2007’s Ghost Rider and its 2012 sequel, Spirit of Vengeance. The original film co-starred Eva Mendes, Gosling’s longtime partner with whom he shares two children.

“I’m just happy one of us got to do it,” Gosling quipped during the podcast interview.

While the actor remains committed to the possibility, his comments suggest that logistical or creative hurdles stand in the way of him donning the character’s signature flaming skull. Fans continue to hold out hope that Gosling will eventually join the Marvel Cinematic Universe in some capacity.

Gosling’s full interview on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast is available to stream now.